Maria Gajraj is an organist, writer, and sound creator who was named one of CBC's "30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30" in 2026.

A recipient of the Godfrey Hewitt Scholarship (2022), Maria was the most recent First-Prize Winner of the RCCO Canadian National Organ Competition (2025). As of Fall 2026, Maria is Music Director of St. Philip's Anglican Church in Vancouver.

 

Maria received her Doctorate of Music from McGill University in 2026. Her doctoral research focused on the music of Edward Margetson, a 20th-century Caribbean organist and composer who campaigned for racial equality through his writings and music. Her research has been published in the UK-based “Organist’s Review” (https://www.organistsreview.com/).

 

Maria has performed internationally, at venues like Salle Bourgie, Maison Symphonique, and the Orgelpark (Amsterdam) and in series such as Cal Performances (USA) and Bergen Orgelsommer (Norway). Maria is also the programming director of medieval ensemble COMTESSA (https://comtessa.ca/), in which she plays organetto. 

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Maria's debut album, "exhale.", was released on May 23, 2025, by Peoples Places Records (https://peopleplacesrecords.bandcamp.com/album/exhale). "exhale." is a transformative project that explores the intersection of minimalism and experimentalism within the realm of organ music. The album pushes the boundaries of traditional organ music, with transcriptions of minimalist piano works by women and non-binary composers; a commissioned piece, written in 2024 for the performer; as well as recorded improvisations by the performer on the medieval organetto, with electronics.

 

In her concert programs, Maria is passionate about highlighting women and composers of colour. By creating engaging concert programs, and by featuring the organ in innovative and multidisciplinary contexts, Maria strives to break stereotypes, and to make the organ more accessible to everyone.